Melkwegbridge is a new pedestrian bridge in The Netherlands that dramatically arches over a canal to connect the historic part of Purmerend to the new district. Designed by <a href="http://www.nextarchitects.com/" target="_blank">NEXT Architects</a>, the bridge offers 2 ways to cross the canal, either via the arch on foot or on a low angled, Z-shaped bike path. The bridge is part of a larger master plan to provide greater connectivity throughout the city and the new landmark is destined to become the subject of "sunset reflecting off the canal" photographs.

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Melkwegbridge-NEXT Architects

The new Melkwegbridge spans a distance of 66 meters across the canal to connect the Weidevenne District to the historical city centre of Purmerend.

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Melkwegbridge-NEXT Architects

<a href="http://www.nextarchitects.com/" target="_blank">NEXT Architects</a> with the help of <a href="http://www.ronaldrietveld.nl/" target="_blank">Ronald Rietveld Landschaparchitectuur</a> began planning the bridge in 2007 and recently completed the project in October of 2012.

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Melkwegbridge-NEXT Architects

Their goal was to create a new area with a specific identity, which would also work as a connector between the old and the new centre.

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Melkwegbridge-NEXT Architects

The bridge is most notable for its massive arch, which reaches a height of 12 m above water level and stands in a continuous line with the Melkweg-road, thus offering an incredible view over the city.

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Melkwegbridge-NEXT Architects

Additionally the bridge features a cyclist and wheelchair path which runs 100 m in length and has a gentle slope to accommodate the differences in height between the opposing banks.

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Melkwegbridge-NEXT Architects

The arch however remains the fastest way to cross the canal despite it's dramatic height.

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Melkwegbridge-NEXT Architects

Made from steel, the 85 ton arch bridge has 130 steps and creates a unifying project with the z-shaped cycling path.

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Melkwegbridge-NEXT Architects

LED lights integrated into the bridge's paths provide illumination at night as well as a dramatic space from which to view the sunset and the city beyond.

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Melkwegbridge-NEXT Architects

A view of the arching bridge from the banks of the canal.

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Melkwegbridge-NEXT Architects

Site plan and connection to the city centre.

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Melkwegbridge-NEXT Architects

Diagram of the bridge

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Melkwegbridge-NEXT Architects

Cross section A.

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Melkwegbridge-NEXT Architects

Cross section B.

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Melkwegbridge-NEXT Architects

Melkwegbridge is a new pedestrian bridge in The Netherlands that dramatically arches over a canal to connect the historic part of Purmerend to the new district. Designed by NEXT Architects, the bridge offers 2 ways to cross the canal, either via the arch on foot or on a low angled, Z-shaped bike path. The bridge is part of a larger master plan to provide greater connectivity throughout the city and the new landmark is destined to become the subject of "sunset reflecting off the canal" photographs.